The day that intelligent sports fans have been talking about over the past few months is almost upon us. Thousands of bloggers all have an opinion. We listen to the so called experts (aka talking heads) on ESPN and Talk Radio (only on WNST of course) with bated breath as if they have obtained some inside information on who will… win the Kentucky Derby on May 2nd… then I wake-up from my dream.

The NFL Draft has consumed the sports world and mercifully will take place this weekend. Those with interests in addition to the NFL Draft, manage to multi-task by following the daily news coming out of Louisville, KY as 20 colts prepare for the biggest race of their life.

Kentucky Derby 135 interesting facts…Trainer Todd Pletcher is 0 for 19 in the Derby. He trains both Dunkirk and Advice… Flying Private will be trainer D. Wayne Lukas’ 43rd starter. Since 1997, every four years a “gray” has won the Kentucky Derby. This year’s gray contenders are no slouches… Dunkirk, General Quarters and Win Willy. No chance of a gelding or filly winning the 2009 Kentucky Derby because none will be entered, all 20 will be colts. Trainer Larry Jones has never had a Derby runner finish off the board (both where runner-ups the past two years; Eight Belles in 2008 and Hard Spun in 2007). This year he has Friesan Fire who will be attempting to have the longest gap – seven weeks – between his final prep and a Derby victory since at least 1929, the last year Churchill Downs can pinpoint the time frame. Sounds like a bottom–wheel exacta play to me?! Tim Ice, trainer of Summer Bird, is no relation to once-famous recording artist Vanilla Ice.

Recapping Day 3 (Thursday, April 23rd)…

Best Bet Strightup Twelve (# 5; 9th race; 8-5) trailed the entire field for the first 4 furlongs, then unleashed a strong run through the stretch, but could not catch the winner, placing second, paying $3.40 and $2.60.Longshot Her Shadow (# 10; 3rd race on the turf; 20-1) was scratched when track management decided that the turf course required an extra day of sunshine to dry out, switching all the turf races on the card to the main dirt oval.

SHOW Parlay Play of the Day, $54 on Shivaree (# 2; 2nd race; 9-2) ran his best race in recent memory and should have visited the Winners Circle, but the jocks decision to drop down to the rail in the final furlongs caused him to be pinched inside a rival, stopping his momentum and a chance to catch the winner. Still, his second place finish was more than enough to keep the SHOW parlay alive, returning $2.60 in the SHOW spot which equates to a $16.20 profit.

For the Pimlico Spring Meet, Day 4 (Friday, April 24th)…

Best Bet:Probation Please (# 1; 4th race; 8-5)In this cheap $7,500 Non-Winnners of 2 Lifetime (Clm 7500NW2L) event, this gelding drops from a higher level than his foes and has the hottest jockey on the Pimlico grounds thus far in the meet (Jeremy Rose).

Longshot:Boe Tie (# 4; 3rd 2nd race; 6-1)

This 3 and 4 year old Maiden race is loaded with early speed, but Bow Tie has a proven Closer running style that sets him up nicely here. She ran bad in her recent effort at this same lowest level of her 12 race career, but was unruly throughout the Post Parade meaning when the gates opened she had already used up most of her energy.

SHOW Parlay Play of the Day:$70 on Perfect Kris (# 5; 1st race; 3-2) is the chalk but the logical choice due to the fact she is the only speed in the race and boast the best Beyer figure. She faces only five rivals so a top 3 finish should be money in the bank, even if it is only a 5% return (i.e. $2.10 to SHOW). Let’s remember though that there are no sure things in horse racing.Let’s hope Day 4 will be another beautiful day to enjoy the exciting chase scenes thoroughbred horse racing has to offer. Good Luck!